I experience depersonalization quite frequently, as part of my PTSD. I fell into it as a child to get through traumatic experiences, and now as an adult I will do it when I am scared or emotionally overwhelmed. When I am tired, or if there is a lot of noise or movement around me, I am more likely to be triggered into it.

It's a distressing experience, except that it distances me even from the distress. I feel far away from myself; I often move very slowly if at all. My gaze fixes and I stare into space. I often slow my breathing or hold my breath. It's as if I am in suspended animation until I feel safe enough to come out of it.

Everyone experiences depersonalization (ever stared into space, or a campfire?) but some of us use it as a psychological defense. It's not unnatural or bad, just a way to cope, one that we can replace with better strategies in therapy.